Green Street Smoked Meats
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112 N Green St
Chicago, IL 60607 b/t Washington Blvd & Randolph St
Near West Side, West Loop - Get Directions
- Phone number (312) 754-0431
- Message the business
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Business website greenstreetmeats.com
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“1) Pork Belly - The pork belly is surprisingly not overly fatty, which I really enjoyed.” in 124 reviews
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“What to Order: Chopped Brisket Smoked Chicken Leg (everyone in our groups favorite) Frito Pie Broccoli Salad” in 72 reviews
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“The potato salad was excellent, and loved the broccoli salad.” in 65 reviews
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Recommended Reviews
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8/7/2015
1 check-inThe hubs likes to frequent this place when he has some free time & up until now I haven't been able to join him. Whelp, I sure in the hell have been missing out.
Here's the deal. the meat is like $12.95 for a 1/2 pound. Yeah that's pricey but who goes out to eat to save money, right? Either way, once you take a bite you'll know it was WELL worth that $12.95.
We had the brisket & pork ribs (wanted the beef ribs but they go fast so they were already sold out). The brisket literally falls apart when you take a bite & has so many delicious flavors that come alive while you're eating. Seriously, heaven. The pork ribs were terrific as well. You don't need any sauce on those babies... spectacular without it.
The place is just freakin' awesome. Loved the vibe & can't wait to go back! -
- Adam Y.
- Chicago, IL
- 0 friends
- 2 reviews
8/11/2015
This is the place for barbecue west of the Loop. Served by the 1/2 pound, you can get your fill of brisket (sliced or chopped), pork and beef ribs. Hot links, chicken legs and fish are served a la carte per item.
Sides are very good. Their cole slaw is a vinegar (not cream) based creation that is fresh and compliments everything well. The local favorite is the "Frito Pie", or a chili-like casserole made out of Fritos served up in the bag. I have heard rumors of the peach soft serve for dessert, but this is no longer available.
The barbecue itself is served with dry rub only, so that the natural care in the smoking process can be savored. Many barbecue enthusiasts will say this is as it should be, and they are not wrong. You can sauce your faire to taste, but for those who like their sauce smoked on, this may be disappointing. This place is rustic and provincial with solid oak tables and bare brick. It is not a place for fine dining; it is a place for good food and good times, rock and roll style.
My only criticisms are, first, that this place can get rather expensive if you aren't careful. You can easily rack up a $50 bill as you sample the various items. Also, not all items are available at all times. They do their best to keep their most popular items well stocked, but if you are going specifically for one item, you run the risk of that item selling out before they can smoke up another batch.
But if you are powerful hungry and want lots of good barbecue, this is the place to go. -
- Nari H.
- Chicago, IL
- 178 friends
- 509 reviews
8/10/2015
1 check-inLove the vibe and decor especially at night. You've got friendly people with tattoos greeting you and serving you deliciously smoked meats. It's like an outdoor, high school cafeteria feel for grown ups where a dive bar and rock and roll concert with a slight hipster edge.
Meats are good, so are the sides.
At night, they turn on all the hanging lights, which makes this a perfect place for a fun/casual date night, grabbing drinks with co-workers, or a post-BKB-climb-stuff-your-face-session (which I was there for). :D Great to go in a group and share everything. Yum.
A little pricer than I expected. Two small servings of meat, a side of broccoli salad, and a soda cost little old me $30. I was hoping for like $20 but oh well! -
- Donna L.
- Chicago, IL
- 143 friends
- 74 reviews
8/8/2015
1 check-inSo-so... Atmosphere is very loud and unorganized. I hate when I have to find my own table- if I wanted cafeteria style I would go to school. Not a good idea.
The food was pretty awesome though. Brisket, pork ribs and pork belly were very good. The sides were only average. Potato salad being the best of the sides. Fritz pie is definitely not worth it. Probably won't be back to this place but I wanted to try it out.... -
8/5/2015
2 check-ins4 stars for the food, 2 stars for the price (yikes)! I'm from St. Louis and we have just as good (if not better) food that's only half the price!! But I guess it's location deems it worthy anyways.
Outdoor patio seating- love! complete with white string patio lights :)
Ribs- would not get next time, very dry/dense and definitely NOT fall off the bone or juicy!
Pork belly- good, but the rub was pretty salty
Sausage- good, had a nice smokey flavor
Brisket- probably my favorite of the 4 meats I tried, moist and hearty slices.
Spicy BBQ sauce- LOVE!!
Potato Salad- eh, would not get next time. pretty standard and not super flavorful
Spicy pickles- eh. not that spicy or pickle-y.
I'll come here since I live in Chicago now... but Bogart's in STL is where it's at!!-
$100 worth of food. Brisket and pork belly were my fav along with the spicy sauce. Ribs were dry and not fall off the bone.$100 worth of food. Brisket and pork belly were my fav along with the spicy sauce. Ribs were dry and not fall off the bone.
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- Victoria G.
- Chicago, IL
- 30 friends
- 282 reviews
- Elite ’15
8/13/2015
1 check-inWhat a great place! One of the best bbq I had in the area and not expensive! A bit too loud music inside but in summer perfect sitting in that alley outside enjoying some good bbq with beer! Their salads were delicious: broccoli and watermelon one. Definitely try it!
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- Shirley J.
- Lisle, IL
- 162 friends
- 94 reviews
- Elite ’15
7/27/2015
1 check-inSweet, heavenly BBQ meat galore. That about sums it up!
Decided to grab food with my friend for a Sunday lunch. 4-hour wait at Au Cheval? 2-hour wait at Little Goat Diner? No thanks!!! And so off I strolled to Green Street Smoked Meats as chosen by my friend. I'm glad it worked out that way because I wouldn't have known about this restaurant otherwise.
It's a pretty big restaurant with lots of group table seating (mostly outdoors). Being the vampire that I am (and because most of the outdoor seats were taken), we sat inside. Each table has several rolls of paper towels.
We ordered a chicken leg, pork belly, hot link, spicy pickles and macaroni salad. All of them were great! My favorites were the pork belly and spicy pickles. We also ordered a cocktail drink, which was STRONG (especially for a Sunday lunch).
A++ for the food, but I probably wouldn't get a cocktail next time.-
Chicken leg, pork belly and hot link for the meats. Spicy pickles and macaroni salad for the sides.Chicken leg, pork belly and hot link for the meats. Spicy pickles and macaroni salad for the sides.
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- Rebecca N.
- Chicago, IL
- 90 friends
- 178 reviews
- Elite ’15
8/11/2015
Some of the best BBQ/ brisket I've had in the city. Great sides also. Broccoli salad and frito pie were bomb.
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7/18/2015 Updated review
1 check-inGSM continues to crank out the hits. This time the brisket being better than the Last time I went. Tender, juicy, flavorful, melt in your mouth good is the only way to describe it.
As far as sides I tried the baked beans, sweet pickles, and potato salad. The beans were a bit spicy for my liking which is sad as I am an avid beans lover. However the other three were excellent.
Great atmosphere and very good BBQ will l ad me to come back again and again!Brendan Sodikoff is one of my favorite restaurateurs and he doesnt dissapoint here. The food is… Brendan Sodikoff is one of my favorite restaurateurs and he doesnt dissapoint here. The food is solid and the environment is incredibly lively and urban.10/3/2014 Previous review
The look of the place is basically a bare bones abandoned factory. I think they took a broom out swept for a few minutes and said " its ready for business". Low hanging lights provide just enough light to get around. Despite the darkness it is incredibly lively providing an amazing vibe. The large rectangular bar in the middle helps with that as well!
The food was good but not sensational for the price. Im betting I could find better BBQ elsewhere. But its well prepared and good enough when combined with the atmosphere will bring me back in the future.
GSSM is right next to High-Five Ramenalso a Sodikoff joint, which I am dying to try! Read more -
7/2/2015
1 check-inThis may actually be the best BBQ cuisine that I've ever tried in a long while.
Came in the evening and ordered a pound of sliced brisket, a pound of pork belly and a half pound of ribs.
On the side we had the spicy pickles and the broccoli salad.
The best item, as raved, is definitely the *pork belly*
The belly was braised perfectly, and the tender cuts of pork literally "melted with the fat". What a spectacular burst of richness.
The brisket is pretty good, the seasoning is on point, but I'd prefer the beef to be a little more tender. It leaned on the dry side.
The ribs are also great. I love that they're not too dry and that they're cooked thoroughly, keeping consistent throughout so you don't have burnt skin and slightly undercooked meat near the bone (faulty to many BBQ restaurants trying to serve as many visitors as this one). Tells me that these guys care about quality control.
Thank you Green Street.
Also, thank you for carrying left hand milk stout (a personal favorite).-
The sides of spicy pickles and broccoli salad. Both are wonderful but I highly recommend the spicy pickles!The sides of spicy pickles and broccoli salad. Both are wonderful but I highly recommend the spicy pickles! - See all photos from Daniel S. for Green Street Smoked Meats
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7/27/2015
1 check-inListed in Chicago Points of InterestYour typical hipster barbecue place. A couple buddies of mine raved about the meats here, so I had to see how it stacked up against the many barbecue joints I've tried. I had been to the RM Champagne Lounge during my previous trips to Chicago, and the smells coming from Green Street Smoked Meats next door intrigued me. It can be confusing to find the entrance, but just remember that the entrance to GSSM is on the left side, and the champagne lounge is on the right side of the corridor. There's a fairly large covered outdoor seating section strewn with old wooden picnic tables. The inside is reminiscent of an old barn with rows and rows of meat smokers, churning out the piles and piles of meat, with a mix of alternative rock blaring in the background. When it's crowded, I would recommend having one person order the meal, while having the rest of the party scout for open tables and grab the beers. We came around 6:30pm on a Friday, and the lines surprisingly weren't too long.
We went with the pork ribs, sliced brisket, and pork belly, as well as a few sides of broccoli salad and baked beans. It comes with an inordinate amount of white bread, and as many wet-naps as you can fit into your bag. The brisket was on the fattier side, and leaked quite a bit of grease, but if you ate it with the white bread, it was pretty okay. The ribs, on the other hand, were bomb. Fall-off-the-bone and tender, the ribs had just the right texture, peppery flavor, and chewiness. The pork belly though. Hot damn. Not overly fatty or greasy, smoked just right, the morsels of pork belly had a slight bit of crisp bark on the outside, and then the soft meat on the inside (heh). The pulled pork was fine, but just needed a bit of BBQ sauce to overcome the dryness. The sides were pretty standard, but delicious. The broccoli salad was doused in a little too much mayo, but the baked beans were just right consistency, and had small nuggets of smoked meat throughout. The different BBQ sauces offered were decent, but I'm not much of a sauce guy myself, so use at your own discretion.
The prices are by the half-pound, which at a singular portion, is enough for 1 person. In general, the value is pretty good, even though the prices are on the higher side for BBQ. If you're in a large party, I would recommend trying as many different meats/sides as you can. In our party of 4, we were able to try a majority of the menu at only about $20 per person, excluding drinks. Service is pretty friendly, and the staff periodically checks on you to make sure that your needs are being accommodated, and that the wait times aren't too unbearable for you.
Overall, the quality is pretty good here, and it's a great place to enjoy a beer and some smoked meats with your friends. I'll definitely be back to try some of their other offerings the next time I'm in Chicago. -
8/2/2015
I've had some really great barbecue, and some meh barbecue...a lot of things add up to Green St. being a pretty great place to go. First some of the bad - be prepared to wait, at least on weekend nights, and be prepared if some of the food you've been hoping for sells out. Also, the night we came the brisket was disappointingly dry, as in too lean. Maybe it was the chunk of meat we got, as my friends said the last time they came it was fine, but I may pass on it next time I come.
But on to the good - first of all, their location is amazing. Maybe the great weather helped, but the ceilings were high inside and brightly lit tables outside. As for the other food, I really enjoyed their pork belly, which don't really associate with barbecue joints. There I found the moist fattiness I was yearning for in the brisket. And my favorite surprise was their Frito Pie, which I believe had bits of their brisket in the chili that topped it. Definitely get that.
GSMM is a great place to come on a summer night when you're willing to drop some dough on some meat. Your half hour or more time of standing in line will be worth it. -
7/27/2015
HOT JAM!!!!
I tried all of the smoked meats, and my absolute favorite is the Pork Belly with a side of Cole Slaw. I swear, I brushed my teeth the next morning and still tasted that BBQ, and I have an electric toothbrush. That's how much flavor was exuding out of that food.
Pro's: Great Smell of Smoked Wood and Meats and the atmosphere is great
Con's: Crowded! -
But who cares, the experience & food is worth the wait. It's a famous spot in Chicago it's gonna be crowed because the reputation of great food precedes itself. Top notch BBQ right here.
All in All Service, Food, Atmosphere 5!!!
PS. Take note how BBQ is done Phils BBQ in San Diego! Please come and visit. ;) -
- Jeffrey Z.
- Chicago, IL
- 51 friends
- 178 reviews
- Elite ’15
7/29/2015
This is above average BBQ for Chicago (but average or less in real BBQ towns). The chopped brisket was my favorite. The spicy pickles were good. All 3 of the sauces we tried were mediocre. The spicy had what tasted like an overpowering amount of cumin.
The atmosphere is fun, but it's not worth the wait if it's more than 20 minutes or so. -
6/10/2015
West Loop Chicago has real BBQ? You would think it was a joke but Green Street Smoked Meats is legit. After going to Memphis for BBQ annually for the past six years, I can attest that this place is the real thing.
Smoke rings, good bark, and the dry rub were all spot on. Make sure to get the sliced brisket - it's nothing like the brisket that you grew up eating. I guarantee you that this will convert any non-BBQ fan. Who wouldn't like smokey, tender, and succulent meat? Also, get the Frito Pie - it's a bag of Fritos topped with chili made from the burnt ends with nacho cheese and jalapenos. Even if you aren't a fan of BBQ, the outdoor seating and the industrial/southern warehouse interior is the perfect casual place for a drink.
Sure, it's not cheap but it's also the West Loop. You're paying around $12 for half a pound of meat which isn't much. The prices are reasonable considering that you don't waste your money on ordering sides since they're nothing spectacular. I'll easily pass on paying $5 on pickles and broccoli and use that money towards delicious smoked meat instead. -
6/15/2015 Updated review
1 check-inUpdating this to 5 stars. A bunch of us went back on a Saturday night and we all were, again, blown away by the food.
-Sliced brisket: Tender. Flavorful. Amazing. I'm much more of a fan of the sliced brisket than the chopped brisket (although I'd still eat both if you offered 'em to me).
-Pork belly: CRACK. Seriously, one of the best pork bellies I've had. Soft like butter with a nice peppery crust. Next time I come back here, I'm just going to get 2 lbs of this (no joke).
Make sure you get the sauces by the counter. There's a spicier one (which has a good kick to it, but not enough where it doesn't let you enjoy your meal) and there's a sweeter, tangier one too. Both are great (I enjoyed mixing 'em together to make a super sauce). The meats here are so good, though, that they can be enjoyed by themselves sans sauce - another testament to how awesome this place is.A truly great bbq joint. I love communal tables, which always makes dining w/ your friends (and… A truly great bbq joint. I love communal tables, which always makes dining w/ your friends (and strangers) more intimate. Worry not though, introverts, as they still have traditional booths available. The bar is separate from where you order food, so you can easily order some drinks to hold you over while you wait in line to buy food. We ordered some beers while we waited in line on a packed Friday night. The line stretched past the bar and towards the back entrance, but we only waited for about 20 minutes so it wasn't too bad.3/16/2015 Previous review
I had the chopped brisket, pulled pork, and macaroni salad. The meat was delicious, tender, flavorful, and juicy. They have a bunch of different bbq sauces as well. I tried them all, and I honestly don't remember which sauce was which but all I know is they all tasted great. I also tried some of my friends' sliced brisket and porky belly and those were phenomenal as well. The beans were superb. Honestly, it's hard to go wrong w/ whatever you order here. Read more -
7/17/2015
1 check-inGreat brisket, and great sides to boot.
We were having a company teambuilding event, and for pre-dinner we all agreed to meet up at Green Street. I've heard rumors and whispers about how good it is, and the reality met the fantasy.
I stuck to the basics: a half pound of brisket, no bread, broccoli salad. For roughly $22, you get a ton of food; I'm not sure if you can get less than 1/2 pound at a time, and I didn't ask.
The brisket was soft and juicy, with a charred exterior, an excellent pink ring just beneath the grilling area, a good mix of fat and meat and a very flavorful rub.
The salad was just a little bit creamy and had fresh carrots, broccoli, sunflower seeds and possible carrots. I thought it was pretty light, so far as broccoli salads go, which made it go perfectly with the brisket.
Paired with a ginger beer and some soft serve ice cream at the end, I understood just why people are talking this place up so much. I wouldn't mind making a few lunch runs over here in the future. -
7/21/2015
Best bbq I have had in the city. Great welcoming, open atmosphere with large tables and large spaces. You have to wait in line but can talk with people. Food is phenomenal, but you pay a premium for it. You do have the luxury of getting as much weight as you want (they start cutting and you tell them when enough is enough), so you can load it up high or get for multiple people on 1 tray.
The ribs were hands down the best item on the menu, good smokey coating with lots of flavor, protecting nice and tender meat that doesn't all fall off the bone. The chopped brisket was also great, just didn't have as much flavor. Pork belly was too fatty for my liking, and didn't have much smokey crust on the outside either. For sides the broccoli salad was the most tasty, some sweet and crunch all together. The macaroni salad was also solid, with perhaps a hint of lemongrass, intriguing and pulled off well. Pickles and pickled veggies will depend on if you like pickles and pickled veggies, I do not in general and did not like them here either. The long line did irk me, but I was with friends so it wasn't too bad. it is worth waiting in line, but it does still annoy me. -
- Tunaidi A.
- Baltimore, MD
- 242 friends
- 872 reviews
- Elite ’15
7/13/2015
1 check-inListed in The Pinnacle, Meat FestWow... Green Street Smoked Meats... You are soooo good.
This is probably the best BBQ place I've been too. In one meal, I got up and ordered three times and was able to sample basically everything on their menu. I was a big fan of the sliced brisket, the pork belly, the pork ribs, and the hot link.
I love that there are plenty of seats here, both indoors and outside. Lines occasionally get busy, but once you order, your meats are promptly prepared. -
7/4/2015
Solid BBQ joint on Green street! This place is no joke. It's a no nonsense beer, whiskey and delicious meat factory. If you've never been I say you bust out your flannel and best beard and get there now. The ambiance is straight lumineers music video so if you are in to the mason jar scene, then this is your spot. The place is a huge warehouse with plenty of communal seating both indoor and outdoor. Upon arrival you wait in a big ole long line, but have no fear you can grab a beer from the tub or order a custom cocky at the bar while you wait. My bf enjoyed a shiner bock as I sipped on the bourbon sweet tea...mmmmmm!
Food food food: plenty o meats to choose from...if you get there early at least. Listen closely, they will run out so I highly suggest you get there early. Sadly, we already missed out on the beef ribs and it was only 8 pm. We went with the sliced brisket, pulled pork, and pork ribs with a side of mac salad and baked beans. The brisket is pretty life changing and the pulled pork just falls apart on sight. The sides were a perfect compliment to our meats. The only thing I was slightly disappointed with was the ribs...but then again we were set up to fail since we already missed the deliciously beeefy ones. Regardless, our meal was bomb.
Green St is just good ole fashioned bbq fun...I highly recommend! A double win here, they are now open for lunch:) -
4/21/2015
Came in on Valentine's Day with the boyfriend and had an awesome experience. First of all, this was a great Saturday evening to go because there was no wait. Apparently most people don't view BBQ as a romantic evening?! However, it was perfect for us. The space is awesome, we quickly made our way over to the big bar in the middle of the restaurant. We ended up splitting a pitcher of the Sweet Tea Drink, bourbon, sweet tea, lemon, and mint leaves. This was super refreshing and was ideal for the two of us to leisurely drink.
Seating options are varied at Green Street, we opted for one of the long communal tables. For dinner, we loaded up a tray with sliced brisket, pulled pork, and a hot link for our meats. All were incredibly flavorful and well cooked. The pork was a unanimous favorite. While brisket is my favorite, theirs was a tad fattier than I prefer. The sides also balance the meats very well. Green Street doesn't have your traditional cornbread, mac n' cheese, etc. Their sides are all cold and you grab them at the end of the line. We went with coleslaw, broccoli salad, and potato salad. In my opinion, coleslaw is a necessity with any BBQ, so don't skip that. Really enjoyed the potato salad as well, it wasn't drowning in mayo and had a lot of flavor. Pickles were spot-on as well. Concerning Green Street's sauces, go for the spicy. It adds a very pleasant kick to any of the meats.
Overall, I'm pretty pumped we ate at Green Street at a night when there was no wait and not an overwhelming amount of people. I'm not sure I'd have enjoyed the atmosphere as much if it was packed. From a cost perspective, yes, it's more expensive than your typical BBQ. However, you're in the West Loop and should be expecting those prices. Highly recommend going at an off-time and enjoying some Sweet Tea Drink and tasty BBQ. -
- Shereene M.
- Chicago, IL
- 82 friends
- 270 reviews
- Elite ’15
6/24/2015
I've seen this spot a bunch of times and always wondered what it was because the name isn't that evident unless you take a good look. It just looks like a cool alley with lights and tables. When you walk into it, you see there is a restaurant. We got there late around 9 PM and they told us it was their first day with lunch and they were SO busy. They only had a couple of things left on the menu so we tried what they had.
Pork Ribs- SO delish!
Broccoli salad- Pretty good... a little on the sweet side but I was into it
Macaroni salad- a little too lemony for me but was perfect with a little bit of BBQ sauce
Frito pie- We liked it!
Can't wait to come back and try more!! -
- Matthew F.
- Englewood, CO
- 8 friends
- 52 reviews
- Elite ’15
6/25/2015
1 check-inAt first, the name sounds like a deli, so I was hesitant to go there, but after reading some of the reviews, I decided to try it.
Overall, awesome experience. Showed up slightly after 6, and we were lucky as they started running out of meat shortly after. This process was somewhat funny as each time a pit boss climes up to cross out the signs, hoards of boos from the hungry goers flooded the dining hall.
The host was very kind and let us know how the experience works. So we hit the bar, got a pitcher of Vallejo then proceeded to wait in line. The wait took longer than expected, but well worth it. The brisket had a nice char on it and was so tender. The pulled pork was succulent but delicate, the baked beans were packed with spices and were top notch, and the Frito Pie was bomb digitty
Inside the music was loud during certain times so you had to yell to have a conversation. But the overall atmosphere was very comfortable.
But totally recommend hitting this place up and trying the delicious food. -
6/20/2015
Green Street Smoked Meats is a great place to grab some barbecue and other beef and pork delicacies, particularly if you're near the west Loop.
The menu is interesting in that it gives you prices per half pound of meat, a handful of sandwiches or singular items at fixed prices, and $5 sides. Somewhat frustratingly, Green Street did not appear to serve fries nor did they serve straight mac 'n' cheese.
I went a bit crazy and ordered purely meats, without any sides. I ordered the Pork Ribs, Sliced Brisket, Frito Pie, and Hot Link. The Frito Pie and Ribs were killer. The Hot Link was solid. And the Sliced Brisket was good but somewhat disappointing, given how much the staff hyped it up.
The experience at Green Street was interesting because we waited in line for a good 35-40 minutes (after arriving at 8:00pm on a Friday) before getting to order at the counter. The restaurant's interior was really cool and reminded me of a barn plopped into an urban area and allowed to decay for a decade -- in a good way.
I'd definitely try this place again. It's more of a destination restaurant (mostly because it's bigger and serves alcohol) than a place like Smoque, but you definitely need to be ready for the wait. -
- Morganne B.
- Chicago, IL
- 32 friends
- 128 reviews
- Elite ’15
6/14/2015
1 check-inSo. Dang. Good. What's not to love about barbecue and beer in a spot that feels like the inside of an old barn? If you get there when the line is short, consider yourself lucky... But if it's long, that just means you have plenty of time to have a drink from the bar or a cold beer from the tub. You can also check out whatever's on TV and decide what you're gonna order. My boyfriend loves the pulled pork and the brisket is my favorite here (super tender with a perfect smoky char on the outside, and sliced right in front of you when you order it). We usually get a half pound of each, and two sides. Baked beans are yummy as well as the spicy pickles. They let us do a half and half of spicy pickles and pickled veggies and they were the perfect coolness to pair with the meat. This place doesn't get caught up in a zillion different types of sauce--just a vinegar based sauce and a thick spicy one--but they don't need to because the flavor in the meat is perfect on its own.
Communal tables and paper towel rolls give this place a casual feel. Would've loved to eat outside but it was pouring and the Blackhawks were playing so that will have to wait for next time. Green Street does everything well!! -
3/13/2015
2 check-insListed in Tour de SodikoffWhen I came here, Green Street was just a convenient place to kill time while waiting for a spot at High Five, but in reality it definitely shines in its own right. I arrived around 6PM on a Wednesday and there wasn't a line at all. You order by the half pound, the guy slices up the meat for you and you're ready to eat within minutes. It definitely started to fill up around 7:30 so come early if you want to easily find a seat.
Ambiance: You enter from Green Street and walk though a covered alley before entering the door. The space itself was very unique. It was a huge room with lights dangling from the ceiling. It had that rugged, unfinished look, and sort've reminded me of the inside of a barn haha. After getting your food, they just have a bunch of picnic tables where you can eat.
Food: Even though we were trying to save some room for a big bowl of ramen, we couldn't help it and ended up ordering like a pound and a half of meat as our "appetizer".
Pulled Pork - I'm honestly not that big of a fan of pulled pork. Usually I find it way too sauced and the meat itself is on the dry side with a rougher texture when you chew it. With that said, Green Street served up some of the best pulled pork I've ever had. It was super juicy, and had a cohesive texture instead of a really stringy feel. You could tell plenty of fat was mixed in it since it just seemed to melt on your tongue. I just ate it all with a fork and didn't even bother with the bread to make it into a sandwich.
Thunderbird sandwich - I think I saw someone describe this as a fancy Mcrib. Being a cult follower of the McDonald's Mcrib (don't judge me), I had to try this. It was basically a de-boned half slab of ribs topped with spicy pickles on a toasted bun. It wasn't as fatty as some of the ribs I've had at other BBQ joints, but since it was part of a sandwich I thought it was the right texture. The meat was tender and I topped it with one of their spicy BBQ sauces, which was perfect for it.
Sliced Brisket - This was a last minute decision, and I'm so glad we ended up ordering it. After visiting Austin a few years, ago I've been a little bit of a BBQ snob and never thought any place I've tried in Chicago lived up to Austin's level. Well...this brisket comes pretty damn close to it. The half pound portion basically translated to 4 slices of the most succulent meat I've had in a while. The outer layer had a great blackened rub with the slightest crispy texture, then followed by a huge fatty layer that you could literally sip on without chewing, and finally a smaller layer of lean meat with a beautiful smoke ring around it. I prefer my brisket slices to be on the fattier side and Green Street gave me exactly what I wanted. No sauce was needed for me to enjoy this.
Overall, this is some of the best BBQ I've had outside of Texas. I was shocked at how easily accessible such amazing meat was. I had to wait hours in line in Austin to get brisket on this level. I will for sure be coming back. -
- Jassu J.
- Fresno, CA
- 7 friends
- 28 reviews
6/27/2015
Meat on meat on meat deliciousness. The chopped brisket and pork ribs were our favorite. Amazing. Also DO NOT overlook the chicken leg. It was some of the best chicken we've had. It had great flavor and was incredibly tender and juicy.
The broccoli salad and macaroni salad were just okay. Probably wouldn't get them again. The frito pie is what you'd expect, delicious. Also make sure you get the spicy pickles, so good.
It's cafeteria style. Order at the counter and get your food on a tray. Atmosphere is cool. They have a good bar as well.-
Chicken legs, chopped brisket sandwich, frito pie.Chicken legs, chopped brisket sandwich, frito pie.
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- Christine S.
- Chicago, IL
- 283 friends
- 453 reviews
- Elite ’15
5/27/2015
Listed in Bah-Beeeeee-QPopped in here on a Thursday night to grab some meat...no lines, and their meat was in our mouths within 5 minutes.
The sliced brisket is on point. So good!
The pork ribs were okay. Not the best, not the worst.
The spicy pickles. YES! Do it.
The macaroni salad, umm, okay! (I don't do macaroni salad. I do this one.)
Picnic tables galore. Super cute décor. I dig it. I'll be back.
p.s. they have ice cream...more importantly, they have swirly ice cream. -
6/20/2015
Good brisket and relaxed atmosphere. We also tried the frito pie which was tasty & diff. Enjoyable grub @ this spot.
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6/4/2015
1 check-inMmmmmmm.....Meat...... Came here on a Friday night a few weeks back and it was pretty packed. The line wrapped all the way around the bar and I still had to wait outside a little bit so come early if you can. I think I was there around 7pm. The line goes semi fast if you're in good company, but by the time I got to the front, they ran out of both kinds of ribs. Boo
Anyway, I got to the front and some guy wanted to cut and said he would buy my meal for me. Obviously I said yes. Got the brisket and a side of potato salad. 12.50 seems like a lot but I got pretty full off of just those two items. Brisket was well cooked and still juicy. Lots of flavor if you get the burnt ends part.
A friend of mine got the pork belly and oh man.... the fat literally just melts in your mouth. If it wasn't so unhealthy, I probably would get that all the time because it was so delicious. I also tried the pulled pork and it was alright. Nothing too special there.
Cafeteria style seating where it's first come first serve, and when you're done you clean your own trays. So you'll always be able to find a seat at least, if not inside then outside under the heaters. I could see myself coming back sometime, I just don't like long waits :/ -
5/23/2015
1 check-inGreen Street meats are good. Dangerously good. In fact, the moment I stepped onto Green St. I knew I had already passed the rubicon. If the smoky smell of promise is not enough, then the loud contented murmur of people and soft glow of lights in the outdoor patio will probably be enough to draw you in. Granted, this is not your typical finger-licking BBQ crowd (although Green Street might convert some).
The guys bumming around on the wooden fence at the patio entrance are not customers (as we thought when we walked zombie-like right past them and the ramen-eaters), but laid-back staff greeting and carding people as they enter. Yet another person greeted us at the main entrance and gave us the run-down on how the line works. On particularly happening days, the line will curve all the way around the bar and you may or may not down a few beers while your stomach and throat growl at the strangers so happily munching away. As you approach the counter to order, the menu board emerges into view in the dim lighting - make sure to take note of what things are priced what, and for how much! Some menu items go fast; the Beef Ribs were gone before we even arrived. As you're pondering though and don't notice the signs on the ground, keep the walkway through the door clear for people coming in and out.
Luckily the 20 minutes we waited gave us plenty of time to hash out what to order, and it was all I could do to stop myself from drooling as the butchers carved hunks of meat to order. It's like ordering meat at the supermarket deli. At the next station, our tray was fitted with sides and two slices of bread each. I couldn't comprehend what a Frito Pie was supposed to be until I saw gooey cheese, peppers, and meat being drizzled literally through a slit in a bag of Frito chips.
We grabbed some regular and spicy BBQ sauce from the island with the giant sink tubs, and utensils. Each communal table is set with a roll of paper towels. We snagged the end of one outside because the weather was nice. But even with our planning we ordered too much:
- Pork Ribs: easily the star of the show, with or without sauce. It's not fall-off-the-bone tender, but it's so rich with tender flavor we instantly regretted not getting more than a half-pound (2 ribs).
- Pulled Pork: your average pulled pork. Nothing to see here, let's move along.
- (Sliced) Beef Brisket: a little overdone, but still had a nice smoky flavor. 1/2 pound gets you about four slices.
- Hot Link: I'm not normally a fan of sausage, but this was a REALLY good hot link. Especially with the spicy BBQ sauce. It's nice and juicy and meant to be savored.
- Frito Pie: what low-maintenance twist on nachos! It's surprisingly good and the peppers add a nice kick.
- Broccoli Salad: slightly sweet and tangy broccoli salad. Good choice to balance out the heavy proteins.
- Coleslaw: I don't really like coleslaw but... we wanted another veggie option. This one didn't change my mind.
The total bill for this though came out to roughly $60 - a hefty price tag for two people. If you hang around with your friends and watch whatever they're broadcasting on the projector screens, it might be more worth your while. But no regrets from this happy belly here!-
ALL THE MEAT (almost). Clockwise: Coleslaw, Frito Pie, Hot Link, Pork Ribs, Pulled Pork, Beef Brisket, bread, Broccoli Salad.ALL THE MEAT (almost). Clockwise: Coleslaw, Frito Pie, Hot Link, Pork Ribs, Pulled Pork, Beef Brisket, bread, Broccoli Salad.
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5/18/2015
This is the third Brendan Sodikoff creation I've been to. I love Au Cheval and Maude's so I had a feeling this would go well. Plus, as a born and raised Chicagoan and now living in Austin, TX, I have a different perspective on bbq than I once did. I was curious to see how this turned out.
First of all, a solid 5 stars for the staff hands down!! Every single person I encountered who worked here was genuinely nice and cool and someone I'd enjoy hanging out with. Second, the decor is awesome. Somehow they smoothly blend the Chicago warehouse and Texas barnhouse feel. The feel over all is very Texas and tin walls, picnic tables, and streaming lights help. The bbq is on the same level as some of the best I've had in Texas (La Barbecue in Austin and the 3 main spots in Lockhart). Any Texan would be impressed with the bbq they do here. I was a bit disappointed in the burnt ends as I was exepcting them to be fatty and juicy which they were not, but as me, my brother and our friend agreed, the brisket made up for it. It was definitely fatty and juicy which is all I ask for in brisket really. Don't be dry! The seasoning was great too. The bbq sauces were nice and very cumin heavy. The pork ribs were solid. We also got their frito pie which a nice compliment. Their spicy pickles were good as well, but I need to say that I've never paid for pickles at bbq joints in Texas so the $5 cost for a bunch of pickles was slightly annoying. I got their La Lousiane cocktail which was great. It had rye whiskey, carpano antica, and benedictine. It was kind of like a mix between a Sazerac and a Manhattan. My brother and our friend got beers which they enjoyed.
I like bbq, I don't necessarily love it or crave it on any regular basis. That being said I can tell the difference between good bbq and bad bbq and everything in between. Their's is good here period.-
Spicy Pickles, Burnt Ends, Moist/Fatty Brisket, Pork Ribs, and Frito PieSpicy Pickles, Burnt Ends, Moist/Fatty Brisket, Pork Ribs, and Frito Pie - See all photos from Darren B. for Green Street Smoked Meats
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7/23/2015
The wait was pretty long. The food was ok. The thicker part of the smoked salmon was cooked correctly to rare, but the less thick portion was way too overcooked and way too salty. I tasted the brisket which was very good texturally, but severely under seasoned. There was no seasoning at all. The sausage was nothing special. The beans were pedestrian and lacked flavor, and the watermelon salad didn't make any sense. $5 for 3 chunks of watermelon, some jicama, and some seasoning, which was very bland. Not very good at all. Possibly one of the worst things I've tasted this year. Finally, the pork belly was not good at all. It had no seasoning at all, and the meat had a very off putting gamey taste. It was also quite dry and required sauce otherwise it was inedile. The sauces also were not super inspiring; the vinegar sauce was by far the best, but also average compared to places in other cities.
In the end, BBQ in Chicago is just not very good compared to other cities. Just dont even try. Do what we midwesterners do well, and we will all be happier. If you want BBQ, go to NC or Texas or KC or Memphis or a lot of other places. Just not chicago.
You get 2 stars because the sauces were adequate, the salmon was ok, and the brisket texture was good. -
- Benjamin R.
- Chicago, IL
- 0 friends
- 284 reviews
7/24/2015
Fantastic BBQ place. We went for lunch and got a brisket sandwich and a pulled pork sandwich, and a side of macaroni salad.
Brisket sandwich was super good with spicy pickles and its own sauce. It's a huge mess though, you're probably better off with a fork and knife.
The pulled pork was equally excellent. My wife who is normally pretty so-so on pulled pork said it may be her favorite thing she's eaten in the city. She was also shaking with hunger when we sat down, but its definitely really good.
Macaroni salad was a nice side too. We got a couple doses of soft serve swirl ice cream, which was good for surviving the hot walk home, but not anything fancy. The whole place is a down to earth, fun environment. They have lots of indoor and outdoor seating, and a good bar with beers on draft. Highly recommend for a casual meal any time. -
7/17/2015
1 check-inThis place feels like it was dropped straight out of Austin, Texas. If sauceless smoked meats are your thing, you're in for a great. The warren moon sandwich (brisket and hot link) was great. The frito pie was spicy and delicious. There's nothing here for vegetarians, but I would expect nothing less from a place with "meat" in the name. There's basically no wait at lunch.
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- Rich M.
- Chicago, IL
- 123 friends
- 83 reviews
5/24/2015
2 check-insSolid BBQ in a fun environment. The atmosphere is very cool but is close to bordering a Texas Roadhouse meets Rain Forest Cafe...almost too overdone.
Great bbq, good music, laid back environment. great place for a group.
TIPS:
They do run out of items on the menu.
Hi-5 Ramen is located in the basement, yum! -
- Jessica B.
- Chicago, IL
- 22 friends
- 132 reviews
7/22/2015
This place was one of my Chicago dining "white whales." Any previous attempt to eat here was thwarted by some force.
But last night, my trip here became a reality.
Pros:
- Place is no nonsense, communal seating, Buttnerbut bread for you to grab, and napkins bolted to the picnic tables. In the flashy West Loop, I like it
- Variety of meats, even a fish. Salmon, brisket chopped or sliced, pork, chicken, etc. All great stuff to pick from
- Bar is separate so it's easy to grab a drink and wait in line or not get caught in the line while trying to order
- FOOD. I had the sliced brisket, hot link and a side of potato salad. All were INSANELY GOOD. The brisket was perfectly lean with a little fat and the hot link was intense but not too spicy. Both were really well cooked. My friend got the pork belly which was also good. The potato salad is mustard based with red potatoes and was really delicious. And a good portion for the cost
Sadly though, there were a few cons, or items to be aware of:
- Cost. This place is not cheap and it adds up quickly. Just be really aware of how much you order because meat and side itself can be $19 and when you look at it, it's not a lot. (And no this isn't a portion control thing).
- Service. Wait staff was nice but register staff could be better. I was overcharged for my meal and when I inquired and asked for a detailed receipt, I was told no. Maybe that's part of the charm but that's not cool.
Finally, I can see why this place has insane waits on the weekend so if you really want the best and full assortment of options, go early or at lunch. We got there at 5:45pm and it was already sold out of stuff. -
- Imran H.
- Niles, IL
- 3 friends
- 13 reviews
8/8/2015
1 check-inTried the sliced brisket which looked juicy and tender but turned out to be anything but. The flavor was mediocre at best and the sides were the worst part of the meal. Had the macoroni salad, beans and pickles all of which were cafeteria grade. Heard good things about the pork belly from others in my group though I don't think I'll be coming back again. Not worth the money and not worth the wait. I'll drive a but further to County BBQ instead.
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7/19/2015
1 check-inTwo words: warren moon. You're welcome. Also get the potato salad and some pickles. The pork belly and macaroni salad are also fave. White bread on the side with your loose meats. If you're not a drinker grab a vernons ginger ale. Compliments well!
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1/31/2015
2 check-insHipster BBQ.
This restaurant is basically an old, graffitied cottage with long wooden tables, full bar service and a grill at the far end. There is no assigned seating, you get to share a long table with whoever squeezes in next to you.
Customers queue up at the grill, choose from the BBQ and sides menu and are given the food on a metal tray. No plates, no forks, no knives, no napkins (only a paper towel roll).
Meat quality is pretty decent, restaurant is overpriced and, of course, everything is super greasy. This is a fun concept with great BBQ, I can see why it is so popular. However, it is not meant for every type of customer.-
Pork ribs, Chicken, Pulled Pork, Greens, Beans, and Pasta.Pork ribs, Chicken, Pulled Pork, Greens, Beans, and Pasta.
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Hours
| Mon | Closed | |
|---|---|---|
| Tue | 11:00 am - 1:00 am | |
| Wed | 11:00 am - 1:00 am | |
| Thu | 11:00 am - 1:00 am | Open now |
| Fri | 11:00 am - 1:00 am | |
| Sat | 11:00 am - 1:00 am | |
| Sun | 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm |
Menu
- Pork Belly
- 12.50
- Potato Salad
- 4.95
- Pulled Pork
- 9.95
More business info
-
- Takes Reservations
- No
- Delivery
- No
- Take-out
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Yes
- Good For
- Dinner
- Parking
- Valet, Street
- Bike Parking
- Yes
- Good for Kids
- No
- Good for Groups
- Yes
- Attire
- Casual
- Ambience
- Hipster
- Noise Level
- Loud
- Alcohol
- Full Bar
- Outdoor Seating
- Yes
- Wi-Fi
- No
- Has TV
- No
- Waiter Service
- No
- Caters
- No
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